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Windows 10 Updates Keep Failing, Error 0x80070005

Anonymous
2019-06-14T01:01:47+00:00

I've spent the last three evenings trying to update my windows 10 after I discovered that for months my Windows updates had been failing. I tried a lot of solutions on the internet but none seem to be working. My update installs fail at 8% via the Window Update in the Settings and I get this error (I've also tried the downloadable updates and these fail too).:

2018-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1703 for x64-based Systems (KB4462937) - Error 0x80070005

Feature update to Windows 10, version 1803 x64 2019-06B - Error 0x80070005

I tried getting the Access log viathis post's instructions but the txt file ends up empty.

I tried following the instructions inthis post, but when I get to the part that deletes SoftwareDistribution, I get an "Access Denied" message and the folder won't be deleted. Deleting the folder manually also doesn't fully work due to permissions issues. 

The Windows Updater Troubleshooter runs and will tell me either 3 or 4 things were found and fixed each time I run it (Service Registration is missing or corrupt, Potential Windows Update Database error, Windows Update components must be repaired)...

I've followed this postup to step 8 which is to perform a clean install of Windows 10.

Any other suggestions or a way to get around the Access Denied?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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Sumit D - IA 171.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2019-06-14T02:15:21+00:00

Hi Katarina

I am Sumit, an Independent Advisor and a 2-Year Windows Insider MVP here to help.

Try updating to 1903 using Media Creation tool and if it fails let us know.

The fastest way to get the upgrade is through Media creation tool or ISO file.

Please download Media Creation Tool from the link below and select Upgrade this PC at the first screen.

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

All steps, including upgrading using ISO file and Media creation tool, are covered here:

https://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2019/05/update...

Content on the above blog is written by a Microsoft MVP so it is safe.

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Anonymous
2019-07-04T13:33:29+00:00

I was failing the install of update 1903 with 0x80070005 code failure reported.  What I found was that my windows folder had 2 Software distribution files.  I stopped my windows update to be able to delete one of the files so only 1 software distribution was left. I restarted windows and did a windows update which downloaded 1903 version and installed it with no problems.

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Anonymous
2020-09-17T21:57:38+00:00

Please check out this Windows 10 forum article called 0x80070005.

It advises you to use the virtual agent designed to guide you through the relevant steps to diagnose and fix the issue.

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-08-02T07:39:06+00:00

    Hi, Facing the same Problem even i have 2 SoftwareDistribution folders one of which is "SoftwareDistribution.bak. which one should i delete?

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-06-14T13:10:02+00:00

    Running that tool as "Upgrade your PC" gets me the error "0x80070005 - 0xB0003."

    Is it safe to try this method with the version through a USB and another computer or should I try something else?

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